Bowers Museum
Bowers Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Take a trip around the globe at the Bowers Museum! Opened in 1936, the Bowers prides itself on showcasing world-class arts and cultures in a warm, inviting space located in the heart of Orange County. Bowers has been voted "Best Museum in Orange County" by OC Register for 26 years and has organized more than 50 special exhibitions in just the past 15 years in partnership with some of the greatest museums in the world. Recent highlights include blockbusters such as Terra Cotta Warriors, Mummies: Treasures from the British Museum, Guo Pei: Couture Beyond, and Inside the Walt Disney Archives. Over 100,000 square feet and surrounded by lush gardens, the Bowers campus includes a 296 seat auditorium, 12,000 square feet of event space, a Patina-owned Tangata Restaurant, a robust Gallery Store, 8 permanent exhibitions, and spectacular featured exhibits on rotation, to ensure a full day of engaging fun with every visit. Bowers Museum, bringing the world to you.
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- Rosemary WSeattle, Washington1,567 contributionsInteresting Cultural ExperienceI haven't been here in at least 30 years, and it has certainly changed over time. My recollection is that it was once all about California. There are still a California exhibits, but the scope has now expanded to include the world. When we were there, there was a special exhibit of African bead art. We also saw exhibits on Polynesia and China. There is more here than I can see in a single visit.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 2, 2023
- Krishna T44 contributionsTreasure of a museumWas not expecting this lovely treasure after driving in from touristy Anaheim! The newest exhibit was the Ubuhle, glassbead weaving from South Africa. Lovely and informative exhibit. The permanent collections are so interesting, and I did absolutely love the Early Californians exhibit. Additionally, the architecture and grounds of the museum are so inspiring and beautiful.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 15, 2023
- phvi2617Anaheim, California557 contributionsExploring local and global cultureThis is not a huge museum, but it features a number of interesting exhibits about local and global art and culture. The exhibits about Native Californians and the California Missions are a bit on the small and older side, but they still have some cool artifacts. The Pacific Islands and Ancient Chinese art exhibits were really well done and the California Gold Medal exhibition had a nice variety of current artworks. Overall, this is a fine museum and a hidden gem in Orange County. Well worth a visit!Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten July 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
405 reviews
Excellent
263
Very good
120
Average
14
Poor
6
Terrible
2
halmj06
11 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Bowers is a fabulous local museum with great temporary and permanent exhibits. Easily can be done in a couple hours and they even have a sit down restaurant if your hungry.
Written December 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aekrfk
Newport Beach, CA251 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
This is a great museum with both permanent and very interesting temporary exhibitions. There is also a wonderful restaurant in a lovely setting. for lunch. The museum is a nice size and you can easily see everything in several hours. The gift shop is very nice too.
Written June 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GardaGal0912
Huntington Beach, CA555 contributions
May 2018 • Business
This facility has some very interesting art work and displays that change often. The auditorium is large and comfortable. There is a $6.00 parking fee, waived on my visit due to a seminar I was attending. Really nice gift shop and restaurant.
Written May 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roaminginrome101
Nashville, TN161 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I stopped by to check out some of the Native American art and was surprised by the various collections. This museum focuses on tribal and non-Western art: Californian Native American art could be beefed up. I really enjoyed the art of the South Pacific Islands. There was also a terrific temporary Shackleton expedition exhibit. It's worth stopping in. I went early in the day on a Sunday and found free street parking easily.
Written April 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobalGypsy_13
San Diego, CA2,689 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
The Bowers Museum has an extensive collection that includes objects from the Pacific Islands and California missions and hosts solid traveling shows, such as the current (April 2018) one on Shackleton's expedition to Antarctica. A recent update to the Pacific Island hall includes more text panels and a few more objects. They also have an excellent museum shop and an award winning restaurant on the premises.
Written April 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iamgodot123
Irvine, CA15 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
The Bowers is a sleepy little museum with a traveling repertoire that can include a sampling of the unusual and occasionally the surprise taste of a world class exhibit.
There is a permanent collection spotlighting early California and South Sea/African art.
The museum store sells reasonably priced items from jewelry to clothing. There are books, cards and unusual toys that will appeal to children...and their adults. There is also a children's museum in another building. I haven't visited in a while, but found it enjoyable with interactive exhibits a few years ago. The kids like it too! While I have eaten many times at the museum restaurant, the quality and service has decreased and I would not recommend it.
There is a permanent collection spotlighting early California and South Sea/African art.
The museum store sells reasonably priced items from jewelry to clothing. There are books, cards and unusual toys that will appeal to children...and their adults. There is also a children's museum in another building. I haven't visited in a while, but found it enjoyable with interactive exhibits a few years ago. The kids like it too! While I have eaten many times at the museum restaurant, the quality and service has decreased and I would not recommend it.
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjd496
Mission Viejo, CA289 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
The Bowers Museum continues to obtain significant and interesting expositions, two of which I visited today. “The Empress Dowager CIXI - Selections from the Summer Palace” and “Endurance: The Antarctic Legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley”. Both are engaging exhibits that present information and objects that uniquely highlight their subjects. The Bowers is a wonderful place to visit for the unique exhibits as well as a beautiful place to spend a morning or afternoon just walking the museum floor and grounds. Parking is $6, refundable with a meal at the museum restaurant.
Written February 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelerintraining16
40 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
I went to see the Frida Kahlo Exhibition which was arranged beautifully. They also had ongoing exhibits which were fascinating. The docents were also courteous. Overall beautiful museum!
Written April 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don'tWaitForRetirement
California4,977 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We drove up from San Diego for the day and visited the Bowers Museum for the first time, primarily for the Adams/Curtis/Weston photography exhibit. The exhibit was quite small, but was enhanced by having a fee docent tour. He pointed out things we would not have thought of and brought more meaning to the photographs.
After that, we really enjoyed the 'The 1968 Exhibit', which included room fashions from the time, TV shows, music, politics, etc. We loved it!
There's a nice restaurant at the museum, (Tangata), but after looking at the inflated prices, we decided to have a quick (and cheap) lunch across the street at El Pollo Loco.
There was quite a bit more to see, just check their web site for current and upcoming exhibitions. There's a nice gift-shop and the museum is also used for wedding receptions and as a back drop for wedding and quinceanera photographs --we saw about 7 there that day!
CONS:
~Paid parking across the street (currently $6).
~Fierce air-conditioning -- couldn't wait to go out in the sunshine and warm up. Take a sweater!
~The front desk staff seemed very aloof.
~Food on-site is expensive, but the dining setting is attractive.
~Entrance fee of $15 (plus parking) seemed slightly steep.
Please click 'yes' if you found this review helpful. Thanks.
After that, we really enjoyed the 'The 1968 Exhibit', which included room fashions from the time, TV shows, music, politics, etc. We loved it!
There's a nice restaurant at the museum, (Tangata), but after looking at the inflated prices, we decided to have a quick (and cheap) lunch across the street at El Pollo Loco.
There was quite a bit more to see, just check their web site for current and upcoming exhibitions. There's a nice gift-shop and the museum is also used for wedding receptions and as a back drop for wedding and quinceanera photographs --we saw about 7 there that day!
CONS:
~Paid parking across the street (currently $6).
~Fierce air-conditioning -- couldn't wait to go out in the sunshine and warm up. Take a sweater!
~The front desk staff seemed very aloof.
~Food on-site is expensive, but the dining setting is attractive.
~Entrance fee of $15 (plus parking) seemed slightly steep.
Please click 'yes' if you found this review helpful. Thanks.
Written July 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverly M
Los Angeles, CA18 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
Last week I went to see the Warriors exhibit at the Bowers Museum. First time to the museum, it's well worth the ride. The exhibit is beautifully presented, you are given an audio guide which is included in your ticket fee. The information is fascinating. it's easy to follow. Lunch at the restaurant was really excellent. I'm still surprised I never had gone before and none of my friends had either. From LA it was an easy drive there, but traffic was a consideration on the way home. So plan accordingly.
Written November 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RamonSalcido
Banning, CA163 contributions
We are thinking of visiting the first week of June. What days are the best? We are coming from Banning and would like to study the Pre-hispanic groups.
Tzipster
Laguna Woods, CA670 contributions
Sorry I did not see this question sooner. We have guests and have been very busy. Any day at the Bowers is a good day. It is a small and intimate museum.
RamonSalcido
Banning, CA163 contributions
Does the museum have artifacts from Pre-Hispanic Indiginous groups from Western Mexico?
Cathi D
Santa Ana, CA45 contributions
Hi, Ramon. Yes, the Bowers has more than 4,000 PreColumbian pieces in its permanent collection.
Mike G
Seal Beach, CA
I nt to become a member. How do I do it?
HBSnowFlower
Huntington Beach, CA766 contributions
Sorry for delay -- glad you asked! Go to Bowers org web site and click on membership tab. Trip Advisor won't allow me to poast the link. Great new exhibits opening this fall!
Mike G
Seal Beach, CA
How do I pay for membership?
iamgodot123
Irvine, CA15 contributions
In person. Cash. Credit card. Check.
Telephone. Credit card.
On line. Credit card.
U.S. Mail. Check. Maybe credit card.
Is the museum open on Mondays?
B P
Los Angeles, CA51 contributions
Not to my knowledge, many museums are historically closed on Mondays.
Hours should be posted on their website.
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